Atlanta Falcons’ ‘other’ tight end is a road leveler

Despite the absence of former head coach Arthur Smith, the Atlanta Falcons will still be a team that runs football at a high pace in 2024. With one of the best offensive lines in the NFL and one of the league’s most dynamic rushers in the backfield, the Falcons will look to create a two-headed monster on offense between the arm of Kirk Cousins ​​and Bijan Robinson legs.

Some organizations might think that having a rushing line would be enough, but head coach Raheem Morris added another difference-maker to the running game at tight end this summer. Free agent Charlie Woerner could be the key to having one of the league’s best offenses.

Last March, general manager Terry Fontenot and Woerner agreed to a three-year, $12 million contract. What he brings to the team is much more than you might think.

Charlie Woerner’s history and potential role with the Falcons.

The 26-year-old is from Georgia and, like Sion Logue, attended the University of Georgia. At Georgia, he played at Sanford Stadium from 2016 to 2019 and quickly showed what he was capable of at the tight end position.

Unlike Logue, the former San Francisco 49ers tight end has NFL experience. As a member of the San Francisco 49ers over the past four seasons, he has proven to be one of the league’s best blocking tight ends, as he has played a vital role in the success of Niners running back Christian McCaffery.

PFF gave Woerner a 76.5 blocking grade in 2023 with the 49ers. By comparison, former Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith received a 43.7 grade last year. MyCole Pruitt, Atlanta’s other primary tight end after Kyle Pitts, only earned a 46.8 grade.

Woerner has the means to be a pass receiver but has not been used in this role so far in his career. He has also been a basic special player at the NFL level.

Coming from one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks, the Rabun County native is excited to return home and play where he grew up.

“Just excitement,” Woerner said, according to the Falcons’ official website. “My wife and I are excited to be closer to our family and to be able to play for our hometown team that I have always supported and cheered for. I am very happy and very honored to be back.”

“I think the team is ready to take off,” Woerner said. “It’s not as much of a rebuild as you might think with the new head coach. It almost feels like a refresh.”

Woerner fits perfectly as the team’s TE2 for new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and his opponents Kyle Pitts in 12 personnel situations. He can be an asset in putting together explosive and efficient running plays. Additionally, he can also be a sneaky receiving threat at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds.